Hi,

I'm just starting to do research for a trip to New Zealand/Australia next year (2010) in February/March. I'm wondering if folks who had been to these countries recently could suggest some spots to include in my itinerary?

1) I will have four weeks. Is this enough for both countries? Or maybe it is better to stick to one? Maybe just New Zealand?
2) I like a variety of things, including nature (hiking, beaches, mountain climbing), wine, as well as good food (I eat in both whole-in-the wall places that serve great food as well as in five star restaurants)
3) In terms of accomodation, what to expect? In Italy I stayed in agri-turismos in Tuscany. Is there something similar available there? I find hotel stays a little sterile, and wouldn't mid staying in off-the-beaten path kind of places.
4) What are some of the once-in-a-lifetime travel experience that Australia/New Zealand offer that should definitely make it to my itinerary?

Thank you all for any tips you may offer.
E.

To get you started, click my screen name and you can read how we spent 10 days on the North Island in 2004.

Lee Ann

Hello E,

You have a made a great start simply by allowing enough time to do your visit to each country justice! Whether or not you should indeed include both destinations will depend on ultimately what you plan to include - meaning as an example that you could cover wine regions in either or both countries; Australia's famed reds, or the well known Sav Blancs of New Zealand. So you may be able to pare things down in your itinerary when choosing, but still ensuring you get a great overall experience.

Hope the following helps:

1. Four weeks is a great amount of time, but as per the example above it will depend on what areas and activites you are passionate about including (see #2 below!!).

2. You mention that you especially enjoy nature and outdoor pursuits, so as an example I would suggest you consider the following:

Beaches: Australia has some terrific coastal and beach areas, that will also allow you, depending on the area, some additional pursuits also. The Great Barrier Reef region stretches along the north eastern coast of Queensland, with one of the predominat areas for access being tropical northern Queensland, around the Cairns area. The beaches are not truly existent in Cairns (has a man made lagoon), however further north in areas such as Palm Cove and Port Douglas you will have some lovely options. The area also provides great access to the Islands of the GBR, including Lizard, Bedarra and Dunk Islands as an example. Further south on the Queensland coast also consider the such areas as the Whitsundays (Hamilton and Hayman Islands) and also the area around Gladstone for access to Heron Island. If you are looking for a more 'typical' Australian beach then consider some of the city beaches accessible from Sydney such as the famed Bondi and Coogee Beaches. If you want something that is more of a surf beach, then consider the beaches along the coast of Victoria - especially the area known as the Surf Coast, which stretches roughly from Torquay through the coastal towns that include Apollo Bay, Lorne, Anglesea and Wye River. There are also some beach areas in New Zealand, typically along the peninsula of land north of Auckland, an area known as the Bay of Islands. Also traveling south east of Auckland there is an area called the Coramandel - also some great beach areas to consider. The main difference between Australia and New Zealand in regards to beaches will be weather. Although it will be warm in both countries, New Zealand has a slightly more temperate climate so you will note that the weather will be a little cooler typically.

Hiking and Mountain climbing provide you with several options, in both Australia and New Zealand. Key areas to consider in Australia would be the Blue Mountains outside of Sydney, and various areas in Tasmania, especially in the northwest. Look at areas in Tasmania that include the Cradle Mountain National Park and along the mid east coast, the Freycinet National Park also. All of these areas also offer some renowned accomodation options: Blue Mountains - Lilianfels, Cradle Mountain - Cradle Mountain Lodge, Frecinet National Park - Freycinet Lodge. There is also a great cliff top walk/hike in Sydney that follows a coastal trail along the clifftops, ending at a beach - really worth considering when you are in Sydney.

New Zealand is truly a mecca for hiking and outdoor activity, with some of the worlds most renowned trails a great option. These include the Routeburn Track and Milford Track, and a myriad of others. Depending on your overall passion and experience you could could consider the multi day options or simply day hikes. A really terrific option would be something like the Abel Tasman Trail which is situated in an area with great lodges and amazing sea kayaking - just to mix things up a little! Stcik to New Zealands south island for sure when it comes to hiking and mountain pursuits; with the Southern Alps stretching almost the length of the South Island you will be spoilt for choice!

You mention your interest in wines, and again both countries offer solid options. South Australia, producing both red and whites, is especially known for its reds, popular both in Australia and in the global community. Accessed from Adelaide you could consider areas that include the Barossa or Clare Valleys, venture to Hahndorf in the Adelaide Hills, visit McClarenvale or even the Coonawarra - towards the Victorian/South Australian border. In Sydney you have ready access to the Hunter Valley, tending to err towards whites, as does the Yarra Valley, east of Melbourne. South of Perth you have the Margaret River and in Tasmania experience the cooler climate wines from a range of vineyards around the Tamar Valley located mid north of the state.

New Zealand - love those Sav. Blancs - and also what New Zealand is espeically famous for. There is an array of options, especially in the region around Marlborough. You will not be disappointed with New Zealand wines! Also with ready access from Auckland consider a visit to Waiheke Island - a day trip with a compact itineray that will still allow you to experience a range of epicurean pursuits!

3. There is a tremendous array of accommodation options for you, and I always believe in mixing things up a little, which adds to the overall experience.

Some of the more renowned options, some unique, others simply known for their impeccable service and ammenities include;

Lizard and Bedarra Islands - Queensland: luxury islands offering an all inclusive, truly luxe experience
Longitude 131 - Ayers Rock: upscale, safari style tented accommodation
Lilianfels - Blue Mountains: famous historical grand mountain top lodge, with wonderful spa and dining
The Hotel Intercontinetal - Sydney: built around an historic building, with an open air access roof deck (for limited guests) with sweepimng views of Sydney Harbor that include the Bridge and Opera House).
Capella Lodge - Lord Howe Island: an island lodge atop a mountainous area with great access to outdoor pursuits
Cradle Mountain Lodge - north west Tasmania: nestled in dense and typically Australian bush with access to an array of hiking and outdoor options, and GREAT cuisine.
Crown Towers - Melbourne: in the heart o the Southbank Precinct and a luxury option

In New Zealand - with so many options I have not listed - you absolutely sould consider doing a farm stay on a working farm, and also staying in a luxury lodge. New Zealand is known for both of these accommodation options, with their upscale lodges truly some of the worlds best. You will find options for these all over the country, both north and south islands.

4. The once in a lifetime experiences (simply because some of them are unique to either destination), which will depend on what you are passionate about and your level of adventure, could include such things as:

Harbor Bridge Climb, performance at the Sydney Opera House, walking tour of the Rocks, seaplane flight - Sydney
Aboriginal Culture - the Tiwi Islands North of Darwin, rock art sites in the Blue Mountains and Tandanya the National Aboriginal Museum and Gallery in Adelaide
Maori Culture - Waitangi Treaty House in the Bay of Islands, Russell, Rotorua for a Hangi Feast and Te Papa Museum in Wellington. Te Papa has won global recognition for its dedication to providing remarkable hands on exhibits
Marine/Diving - Great Barrier Reef day or multi day trips, Heron Island
Flora/Fauna - Kangaroo Island in South Australia, known as the zoo without fences, the Daintree Rainforest in far north Queensland, Stewart Island in New Zealand accessed through Bluff on the southern point of the Island, Milford and/or Doubtful Sounds in New Zealand which are accessed through Queenstown
Dining - Sounds of Silence dinner at Ayers Rock, Colonial Tramcar in Melbourne, Take a Camel to Breakfast in Alice Springs, sunrise champagne flights over Melbourne or nearby vineyards
Scenery - the Tranz Alpine Express on New Zealand's South Island, the Great Ocean Road along Victoria's coast, Ayers Rock and the Olgas in Central Australia

I know I have listed a range of things but it isn't even really scraping the surface as there is so much to do in either country. What I do know from many experiences, is that you will not be disappointed with your travels to this beautiful part of the world. As you can see, I could write more! Hope the above helps and perhaps give you some ideas - just shout if you need more help. Safe travels, [email protected]

Hi travelgirl, I've been to both Australia and New Zealand in the last 18 months and in response to your last question, based on my personal experience, I would say:

* Snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef in Queensland, Australia
* Kangaroo Island for wildlife viewing and beautiful scenery, Australia
* Sydney beaches (Manly and Bondi)
* Abel Tasman National Park, NZ (hiking and/or kayaking), NZ
* Heli-hike or half day hike at Fox or Franz Joseph Glacier, NZ
* Overnight cruise on Milford or Doubtful Sound, NZ

The Blue Mountains two hours outside of Sydney are also beautiful and great for hiking.

G'day Travel Girl,
4 weeks is a good length of time for one country but a little too short for both unless you think it will be a very long time before you get back.

There is some great advice to be going on with and when you have specific or at least more specific questions come back with seperate threads.

"separate" of course! Had to get in before the spelling police ;-)

Thank you all for your responses and for providing the info. I think that I have enough leads now to get me going on my planning . I will post the itinerary that I come up with for additional comments in a separate thread. It seems that although 4 weeks is a decent amount of time, I think that I will enjoy the trip more if I will dedicate the time to New Zealand, and do a separate trip to Australia. So it will probably be Sydney/New Zealand this time.

Good move but we hope to 'see' you in Oz some time.